oubt it will be repeated in
all the papers, and the names will soon be known. But
the result will be simply a general conviction as to the
insanity of poor Mr. Kennedy,--as to which they who know
him have had for a long time but little doubt.

The Macphersons seem to have been very anxious to screen
their guest. At any other hotel no doubt the landlord
would have sent for the police;--but in this case the
attempt was kept quite secret. They did send for George
Kennedy, a cousin of your husband's, whom I think you
know, and whom I saw this morning. He assures me that
Robert Kennedy is quite aware of the wickedness of the
attempt he made, and that he is plunged in deep remorse.
He is to be taken down to Loughlinter to-morrow, and
is,--so says his cousin,--as tractable as a child. What
George Kennedy means to do, I cannot say; but for myself,
as I did not send for the police at the moment, as I am
told I ought to have done, I shall now do nothing. I don't
know that a man is subject to punishment because he does
not make complaint. I suppose I have a right to regard it
all as an accident if I please.

But for you this must be very important. That Mr. Kennedy
is insane there cannot now, I think, be a doubt; and
therefore the question of your returning to him,--as far
as there has been any question,--is absolutely settled.
None of your friends would be justified in allowing you to
return. He is undoubtedly mad, and has done an act which
is not murderous only on that conclusion. This settles the
question so perfectly that you could, no doubt, reside in
England now without danger. Mr. Kennedy himself would feel
that he could take no steps to enforce your return after
what he did yesterday. Indeed, if you could bring yourself
to face the publicity, you could, I imagine, obtain a
legal separation which would give you again the control of
your own fortune. I feel myself bound to mention this; but
I give you no advice. You will no doubt explain all the
circumstances to your father.

I think I have now told you everything that I need tell
you. The thing only happened yesterday, and I have been
all the morning busy, getting the injunction, and seeing
Mr. George Kennedy. Just before I began this letter that
horrible editor was with me again, threatening me with
all the penalties which an editor can infl